Lessons learned in Charlotte, NC

1. Downtown is really Uptown.
2. My hair really loves the water in Charlotte.
3. There are ALOT of Walmarts.
4. Hobby Lobby needs to expand to Pittsburgh.
5. I miss my Cara more than I realized.
6. Elevation and Pastor Steven know how to have some CHURCH!

So, I traveled to Charlotte, NC to see one of my best friends that I have known since I was 12, Cara. She is getting married in September to a wonderful Godly man and needed some help planning...so I packed the car and away I drove. The drive wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I'm pretty used to driving long distances by myself...and to be honest, I like the alone time. I made it in record time...stopping only twice to fill the tank up. It's always amazing to me...and a beautiful feeling, that no matter how much time goes between visits or talks, Cara and I pick up right where we left off. We went over some ideas the night I arrived...gabbed for quite awhile...and the next morning got cracking on the shopping. Invitations...check. Stamps...check. Sweet tea...check. I will never understand the obsession with sweet tea. I like hot tea. I like iced tea. Is it really necessary to make either of those any sweeter? Sigh...

Friday consisted of lots of shopping...ending with the bridal shop. Dresses, shoes, head pieces, jewelry...and Cara was beautiful and glowing. I can't wait to see the final result! Her fiance met us for dinner that night...at...wait for it...521 BBQ...the most unique and delicious bbq joint I've been to in awhile! I did feel a little out of place. Everyone was so nice...I didn't know what to do with myself. It's just a different lifestyle there...calm...carefree...and kind. Something I think I could get used to.

Saturday.

The day I was looking forward to.

Church day.

Elevation day.

Pastor Steven day.

I was like a kid on the first day of school. The service started at 6...and at 4, I was pacing. We pulled up...and the greeters were out in full force! They asked if it was my first time (was the smile on my face and sprint inside shouting first timer?) to which I said "YES!!" They handed me a V.I.P. packet...and welcomed me in. There were dozens of volunteers outside greeting people and making everyone feel welcome. Once inside, I couldn't sit still. The worship team came out and played the most amazing music...all so talented! Luckily...we got a seat up front. Two rows behind Pastor and Holly. He gave a message on finding your passion...calling you out. Living your best...empowering the people of God and being united. He asked the question,

"Is there a misery that could turn into your ministry?"

And I started thinking...a calling isn't about something you do...but about someone you become. The belief that the best is yet to come, and it's probably going to look different than anything that has come before it. Having the confidence that what we can do through God is more than we can imagine accomplishing on our own. Your calling isn't going to build your resume. It's going to build your soul.

"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." Frederick Buechner

Go seek God's will and ask where He needs you. And feed the world!